Source: HanbitSoft

HanbitSoft (CEO Won Ji-hoon) has signed an IP licensing agreement with developer Arc9 Games to create 'Aika Mobile' (tentative title), a new mobile MMORPG based on its flagship PC MMORPG, 'Aika Online.'

Arc9 Games, the studio behind 'Aika Mobile,' was founded by key members who led the golden age of the original 'Aika Online.' By leveraging their deep understanding of the IP and accumulated expertise, the team plans to preserve the authenticity of the original while delivering a unique experience optimized for mobile platforms.

The original 'Aika Online' is a MMORPG developed in-house by HanbitSoft that officially launched in 2009. It gained popularity in the global market by featuring large-scale Realm vs. Realm (RvR) warfare as its core content. It was widely recognized for both its mass appeal and quality, notably winning three awards at the '2009 Korea Game Awards,' including the Prime Minister's Award (Excellence Award), the Game Planning/Scenario Award, and the Online Game category.

'Aika Mobile' inherits the vast world-building and unique systems of the original while being redefined for the modern smartphone environment. It offers a more immersive experience with upgraded graphics and spectacular combat effects, while porting the series' signature national system and massive battlefields to mobile screens.

The key differentiator for this new title is the 'cooperative combat with Pran' system. While the Pran served primarily as a support and growth-focused companion in the original, it has been reimagined in the mobile version as a core partner that fights alongside the player on the battlefield. The game aims to provide a distinct combat experience through organic skill synergies and diverse strategic options between the player and their Pran.

Furthermore, the game will implement the 'Aika' series' signature massive faction battles, where thousands of users clash, tailored for mobile specifications. With an intuitive UI/UX and advanced convenience systems, the goal is to create a MMORPG that is accessible to both existing fans and new players.

A HanbitSoft representative stated, "It is very meaningful to work once again with the core development team that helped create the heyday of Aika Online. We will cooperate closely with the developer to combine the overwhelming fun of the original's war with the unique mobile-exclusive 'cooperative combat with Pran' to deliver a high-quality game that satisfies both original fans and new users."

Starting with this initial announcement, HanbitSoft and Arc9 Games plan to share various details, including key content specifications, system structures, and real-time development updates, in the coming months.